"Tchaikovsky, Utilitarianism, and Women in Art"

"Tchaikovsky, Utilitarianism, and Women in Art" Please respond to one (1) of the following, using sources under the Explore heading as the basis of your response:

· Select one (1) composition by Tchaikovsky that you enjoy. Describe the music and subject matter of that work, and explain why you enjoy it. Explain the key reasons why you believe that compositions by Tchaikovsky continue to be popular with contemporary orchestras and audiences. Passionate nationalism, like Tchaikovsky's for Russia, could be a feature of Romantic art and music and in the arts of the late 1800s. Give primary examples of music today (besides national anthems) that is characterized by nationalism.

· Read p. 1042 in the Textbook on how John Stewart Mill uses the ethical theory of utilitarianism to fight for the rights of women. Next, (1) Click on Resource Center in Blackboard, (2) click on Databases, (3) click on Credo Reference and (4) in the search window type up ‘utilitarianism’. In your own words, explain this ethical theory. What actions are morally right according to that theory and why? Give concrete examples. What actions are morally wrong?

Explain how exactly utilitarianism seems to suggest that subjection of women is morally wrong. (What reasons would utilitarianism give us in support of the view that subjecting women to men is morally wrong?)

Then, try to think of another argument also using the same theory of utilitarianism in support of the view that… women should be subject to men. Can such an argument be given? Is it surprising to you? What does it tell us about the utilitarian theory of morality?

Assess the two arguments. Which is better and why?

· Select two (2) paintings depicting females by both a male artist and female artist named within the Explore section. Compare and contrast these two (2) depictions of women, and comment on any general tendencies that you detect among artists of that era in this respect. Compare this situation in the late 1800s to the way females are depicted in our own modern times, using at least one (1) specific modern example.

Explore:

Tchaikovsky

· Chapter 31 (pp.1039-1040), famous overture and ballet music compositions; review the Week 6 “Music Folder”

· Audio of musical compositions on Tchaikovsky webpage , Kennedy Center Website at http://www.kennedy-center.org/explorer/artists/?entity_id=3651&source_type=C

· Video clip of Tchaikovsky (1812 Overture) at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrsYD46W1U0

Artists’ Depictions of Women

· Chapters 31 and 32, depictions of women by male artists Manet, Degas, Dewing, Eakins and by female artists Cassatt, Morisot, Haudecort-Lescot, Sara M. Peale

· National Museum of Women in the Arts at http://www.nmwa.org/explore/collection-highlights/18th%E2%80%9319th-century

· National Gallery of Art (search by artist name) at http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/Collection/artists.html?pageNumber=1